Readings/Book Signings

• EDWARD SCHWARTZCHILD The author reads from his new book, "The Family Diamond: Stories," which features mostly middle class, Jewish Philadelphian characters. Fri, Oct. 19, 6:30pm, FREE , Head House Books, 619 S. 2nd St., 215-923-9525.
• ELLEN YIN The author reads from her new book, "Forklore: Recipes and Tales from an American Bistro," which includes nearly 100 recipes and stories from her restaurant, Fork, in Old City. Mon, Oct. 22, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• GARY KASPAROV The world chess champion reads from his new book, "How Life Imitates Chess: Making the Right Moves — From the Board to the Boardroom," a primer on successful decision making. Kasparov won the title in 1985 at age 22 and held it until 2000. Fri, Oct. 19, noon, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• JAMES MORROW The author reads from his new novel, "The Last Witchfinder," which is set in late-17th-century London and follows the story of Jennet Stearne, the daughter of a witchfinder. Wed, Oct. 24, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• JIM KNIPFEL The author reads from his new book "Noogie's Time to Shine," the story of an ATM restocked who takes a little for himself then hits the road with his cat. Sat, Oct. 20, 7-8pm, FREE , GERM Books & Gallery, 308 E. Girard Ave., 215-423-5002.
• JOHN KEENE The novelist and poet reads from "Seismosis," his poetry collection ilustrated by Christopher Stackhouse. Thu, Oct. 25, 8pm, FREE , Temple University, Center City Campus, 1616 Walnut St., 215-204-1796.
• JOSEPH CIRINCIONE The author reads from his latest book, "Bomb Scare," a review of the history and theory of nuclear weapons and policy options. Mon, Oct. 22, noon, $25, Downtown Club, 6th & Walnut sts., 215-568-1702.
• MARGALIT FOX The author and linguist reads from her new book, "Talking Hands: What Sign Language Reveals about the Mind," an examination of how human languages work. Fox traveled with researchers to a remote Bedouin village in Israel, where deaf and hearing villagers alike speak in sign language. Tue, Oct. 23, 7pm, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• MAX APPLE The author and Penn professor reads from his new book, "The Jew of Home Depot and Other Stories," a humorous collection of 13 short stories. His former students will also read. Tue, Oct. 23, 6pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-WRIT.
• MICHAEL KORDA The author reads from his biography of Dwight Eisenhower, "Ike: An American Hero," which uses personal correspondence, diaries and historical documents to analyze the 34th president. Thu, Oct. 25, noon, FREE , Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• MOLLY RUSSAKOFF The local poet and bookstore owner reads selected poems and prose about her experiences in the Italian Market. A screening of Martin Scorsese's "Mean Streets" follows. Fri, Oct. 19, 7:30pm, FREE , Molly's Bookstore, 1010 S. 9th St., 215-923-3367.
• MONICA NOLAN The author reads from her new novel, "Lois Lenz, Lesbian Secretary," a smart and funny parody of gay and lesbian pulp classics. Thu, Oct. 18, 5:30pm, FREE , Giovanni's Room, 345 S. 12th St., 215-923-2960.
• PAUL KRUGMAN The Princeton economics professor discusses his new book, "Conscience of a Liberal," a study of the past 80 years of American history. Thu, Oct. 25, 8pm, $6, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322.
• TIM WEINER The author reads from his book, "Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA," for which he traveled to Afghanistan to investigate CIA covert operations firsthand. Mon, Oct. 22, noon, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-WRIT.
• THE WRITERS HOUSE REMEMBERS BOB LUCID Join friends, former students and colleagues as they remember and celebrate the life and work of Robert "Bob" Lucid, who passed away on December 12, 2006. Fri, Oct. 19, 7pm, FREE , Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk, 215-573-WRIT.